According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2010 Cobalt has wiring harnesses in the doors that were improperly installed at the factory and can cause the side curtain airbags to become inoperative in a crash. A total of 59,474 cars are affected. The wiring harnesses connect the side airbag sensors and can “chafe” against the window regulator when the window is lowered, leading to a short and an airbag warning light on the dash.

GM began investigating the problem in January after the company decided to look at warranty repairs for the sensors and wiring harnesses. The automaker did not say how many cars had been repaired or if any injuries or accidents had been reported. GM also did not mention the Pontiac G5, which shares nearly all parts with the Cobalt, or any other model year. Dealers will start replacing the wiring harness and route the wires correctly starting this month.